August 16, 1927
Funeral Services For J.M. O'Berry To Be Held At Blanton Church This Morning
John M. O'Berry, Confederate veteran and pioneer resident of Pasco County passed away at his home in Blanton on Sunday morning, just eight days after the death of his wife. Mr. O'Berry was sitting on the front porch of his home resting after breakfast when the summons came; his head dropped forward on his shoulders, and without a struggle he passed to the great beyond.
Funeral services will be held at 10 this morning at the Blanton church, the Rev. J.M. Mitchell of Elfers officiating. Interment will be in historic Mount Zion cemetery, and he will be laid to rest by his Brothers of the great Masonic Fraternity, of which he was a life long member.
Mr. O'Berry was born in Pierce County, Georgia between 84 or 85 years ago. At the beginning of the War Between the States he enlisted in the Confederate Army, serving honorably throughout the entire struggle. Shortly after the surrender he moved to Florida and located in Blanton living up to a short time ago when he sold it, on the same farm and in the same house where he first made his home. In 1867 he married Miss Mary F. Jones of Pasco who passed away just eight days before he received the great summons.
Mr. O'Berry was a member of the Methodist church and a Mason. He was a farmer by occupation, and a man noted for his kindness and neighborly spirit.
His passing is mourned by four daughters: Mrs. M.C. Gainey, Bradenton , Mrs. A.S. Thompson, Tampa , Mrs. Robert Ansley, and Fannie Haecock of Blanton. Four sons: W.J. O'Berry, Jacksonville, F.B. O'Berry, Columbus, Georgia, J.L. O'Berry, Tampa, S.H. O'Berry, Dade City, and one brother, Tom O'Berry, of Blackshear, Georgia.
Submitted by Neal Jeffries
